(Looking for perimenopausal support? Click here)

As we age, change is inevitable, like menopause. At Noorish, we encourage women not to think of menopause as something to “fix” or resist, but as a natural transition that simply deserves care, curiosity and a little reverence.

Like many passages we’ve crossed before in life, menopause can feel unfamiliar, scary, tender, even disorienting at times. We can also let it be a moment to slow down, listen to our bodies more closely and redefine what nourishment is and will be to us as each of us enters this next chapter. 

The important question then is, how can we be kind to our bodies and encourage the most harmonious flows during our transition from perimenopause to menopause?

First, What’s the Difference Between Perimenopause and Menopause, Really?

During perimenopause, the phase before menopause, hormone fluctuations are more unpredictable. This can make the highs and lows of our mood, energy, sleep and focus cycle inconsistently over time, even for several years. 

Menopause is when you’ve gone at least 12 months without a menstrual cycle. This point is where your body begins to resettle into a new baseline, easing some of the more chaotic perimenopausal symptoms. However, some may remain, such as sleep disruption, cognitive changes or inflammation, just manifesting differently.

It’s important when navigating the transition from perimenopause to menopause to not define it as the end of change, but just the beginning of a new rhythm, one that doesn’t have to be suffered but managed. 

Enforce Gentle Support, Not Rigid Routines

You don’t need to go to extremes to manage menopause. Harsh stimulants, routines or constant feelings of self-correction or restriction are more likely to add extra stress to your mind and body than what they’re already dealing with in adapting.

This is where adaptogens and nourishing plants can be helpful as gentle, simple additions to your already regular routines.

Unlike stimulants (ex. coffee) or hormone-targeting solutions like hormone therapy, adaptogens are wonderful supports during menopause because they work with your body and its systems to help you feel balanced, focused, and restful without just overriding or hiding your symptoms.   

Adaptogenic Allies for Menopause

Reishi

Often used for nervous system support, reishi can help with emotional balance, immune health, falling asleep, and getting a deeper sleep.

Chaga Mushroom

Chaga is rich in antioxidants, supporting immune resilience and may also help to reduce inflammation.

Lion’s Mane

Lion’s mane is a gentle way to support mental clarity and cognitive function, helping with common menopausal symptoms like brain fog.

Cacao

Rich in magnesium and feel-good polyphenols, ceremonial cacao supports mood and muscle relaxation without overstimulation.

Energy Without The Crash (Or Late Night Ceiling/Clock Stares)

Menopause asks us to meet ourselves with care, not control or limitations, and replenishment, not resets. The more you support your body with calm, consistent rituals, even ones you’ve already been doing all along, the more you’ll have clarity, steadiness and happiness during this latest chapter of your life.

If gentle nourishment feels supportive to you, our Cocoa Moon Ritual was created as a calming, caffeine-free evening blend to support rest, stress resilience and nervous system support.

Treat yourself here.